Learn to Negotiate a Fair Salary at November 14 Workshop

FVCC will host a workshop to teach people how to professionally negotiate a fair salary on Thursday, Nov. 14. Free and open to the public, “Start Smart” is relevant to women and men of all ages and professions.

Sponsored by FVCC, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Kalispell Branch and AAUW-Montana, the workshop will take place from 2 to 3:45 p.m. in room 144 of the Arts and Technology Building on the FVCC campus. Workshop materials will be provided to all participants. Pre-registration is required at kalispellstartsmart.eventzilla.net.

Gov. Steve Bullock established the Equal Pay for Equal Work Task Force in 2013 to gather information, furnish advice and provide recommendations on policies and action to ensure Montana workers earn equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender. The Equal Pay for Equal Work Task Force identified wage negotiation as a priority.

“The gender wage gap means some Montana women have fewer resources to support their families, invest in the future or afford goods and services that would benefit our economy,” Gov. Bullock said. “Wage negotiation workshops offer women the tools and confidence they need to negotiate for fair pay, and in turn, shrinks the wage gap to benefit Montana families, businesses and the economy.”

Montana women currently earn 73 percent of what men earn, resulting in a 27 percent gender wage gap. Six years ago Montana women were earning 67 percent of what men earn. Research shows women negotiate wages less frequently than men, a factor contributing to the wage gap.

Participants will learn the basics of entering into salary negotiations for a new position. This includes learning how to determine the median salary range paid for positions and matching it to their current skills and experience.

“We are excited to partner with the state to provide this opportunity for Montana women,” said Jesse Kuntz of AAUW of Montana. “We all share the same goal of advancing equality for women and girls.”

For more information about the workshop, email startsmartmt@gmail.com.